Construction crews working on the CityLynx Gold Line, Charlotte’s streetcar project, will soon energize the overhead catenary system (OCS). The OCS provides electricity that powers the streetcar through a pantograph at the top of the railcar. The system carries 650 volts, direct current.
The rails in the street will not be energized. Citizens can continue to drive, walk and bike across them as they normally would. Citizens may also see crews working on the OCS along the streetcar alignment. These contractors are highly trained to safely interact with the system.
The CityLynx Gold Line is scheduled to begin passenger service March 2015. As work continues to progress the public is asked to remain alert and cautious when driving, walking or biking along the alignment.
